SD Judge Says Democratic Candidate Is On Ballot

A South Dakota judge has ruled that a Democratic candidate for the state Senate can be placed on the November ballot even though his nominating petition was technically flawed.

The state's chief election officer, Secretary of State Jason Gant, had rejected the nominating petition filed by Charles Johnson of Madison because it stated signers were from Lake County instead of from District 8, which includes three other counties.

But Circuit Judge Mark Barnett of Pierre ruled Monday that Johnson's petition substantially complied with legal requirements because another line says Johnson is running for the Senate in District 8.

Gant says he does not know whether he will appeal Barnett's ruling to the state Supreme Court.

Another court hearing is set for Friday on another Democratic candidate whose petition was rejected.